Film workers rally at Armdale Rotary

About 80 people employed in the industry rallied this morning at the Armdale Rotary. Many workers fear cuts to the Film Tax Credit program will force them to leave the province. Photo Robert Devet

Many morning commuters honked in support of the demonstrators. Photo Robert Devet

A really really good dog also participated in the rally. What a good dog! Photo Robert Devet

KJIPUKTUK, (HALIFAX) - About 80 or so protesters associated with the Nova Scotia film industry rallied at the Armdale Rotary this morning.

The rally served as a reminder to the Liberal government that the cuts to the film tax credits introduced in this year's provincial budget are unacceptable.

Roughly 1500 people are employed in an industry that generates economic activity worth about $122 million. Slashing the tax credits by 75 percent will destroy that industry, film workers say. They are also upset about the lack of consultation prior to the announcement.

Many morning commuters honked to show their support for the demonstrators.

People employed in the film industry face an uncertain future and may well be forced to leave the province if the cuts are not rescinded.

“Screen Nova Scotia is the coalition that advocates on behalf of the industry. Last week the group organized one of the largest rallies ever seen at Province House.

Maybe it's not too late, says Marcel Boulet, film technician and member of IATSE Local 849.

"Screen Nova Scotia met last week with the government, and there is another meeting scheduled for tomorrow. They are sitting down and listening, we just want to make sure that effort carries through all the way to the end,” Boulet tells the Halifax Media Co-op.

"If there is no change you will see a huge downturn of film productions in Nova Scotia,” says Boulet. “Yes, we have beautiful scenery, yes we have great crews, but it's the tax credit that really pulls (film productions) away from other major markets like Vancouver.”